RIDDLESDOWN STATION IS IN LONDON TRAVELCARD ZONE 6. UPPER WARLINGHAM IS ALSO IN ZONE 6 AND IS THE LAST STATION ON THIS LINE, WITHIN THE LONDON ZONES 1 to 6.

For those residents who are not regular users of Riddlesdown Station - Southern and Thameslink do at times run trains with 10 to 12 carriages. To be sure of getting off at Riddlesdown (from London), ensure you are in carriages 1 to 9, because these trains are longer than the platform and the doors on carriages 10 to 12 will not open. Next stop is Upper Warlingham! Carriage 6 is usually by the exit at Riddlesdown on trains from London.

On trains from East Grinstead, it is usually carriage 4 by the exit. Next stop is Sanderstead!

TIMETABLES

RIDDLESDOWN/LONDON/LUTON/BEDFORD TRAIN TIMES

Southern Rail and Thameslink trains to and from Riddlesdown with effect from 9 December 2018 until Saturday 18 May 2019

Planned engineering works by Network Rail on Southern, Gatwick Express and Thameslink services over the Easter 4 day weekend. Services to and from London Victoria will be affected. Check works on this link by clicking on each date (19 to 22 April).

From 23 March 2013, the privately owned and voluntarily run Bluebell Railway will be connected to the national rail system at East Grinstead, meaning that Riddlesdown residents can get on a train from Riddlesdown Station and travel from Riddlesdown to East Grinstead and then transfer onto the Bluebell Railway.

The consultation was regarding 11 bus routes that will be affected in central Croydon and for Riddlesdown this will be the 412 and 403 bus routes.

The details of all the proposed changes to routes are the numbers 50, 75, 109, 154, 197, 250, 264, 403, 405, 412, 433 and are set out below:

It is proposed to terminate routes 50, 75, 250 and 264 at West Croydon Bus Station.

It is proposed to terminate routes 154, 403, 405 and 412 in the Mid Croydon area (Katharine Street and St George’s Walk).

It is proposed to terminate routes 197 and 433 at Fairfield Halls.

Route 109 would stand at Fell Road. There would be no change to its first or last stop.

At night, 24-hour routes 250 and 264 would terminate at West Croydon Bus Station.

A number of residents have contacted us, especially elderly and disabled residents, expressing concerns that they will have to walk between Katharine Street to West Croydon Bus Terminus/Railway Station (and vice versa) and they will not manage this easily. It appears TfL have not taken into full consideration the effect this could have on some.

The main reasons that TfL are proposing these changes, are to reduce services/traffic on Wellesley Rd due to the proposed building works for the Whitgift Shopping Centre (Westfield) and also the construction of the 68 storey building at 1 Lansdowne Rd (on the junction of Wellesley Rd).

From Purley Road. Tesco, buses will run along Banstead Road, Foxley Lane, Pampisford Road, Christchurch Road and Brighton Road. The last stop will be stop Z1 in Brighton Road (southbound), opposite Purley War Memorial Hospital. Stops D and E in Brighton Road (northbound) will no longer be served.

There will be no change to the route and stops towards West Croydon. This is to improve reliability, as buses will have a shorter distance to travel when empty between journeys.

We’re initially introducing this as a temporary change, but may make it permanent, following consultation. To match demand, we’re also changing the frequency:

Monday to Saturday daytimes buses will run every 20 minutes, with three additional journeys in school day peak hours (previously every 15 minutes, with two additional journeys in school day peak hours) (the new additional school day journey will run from West Croydon to Purley in the morning peak)

Sunday daytime buses will run every 30 minutes (previously every 20 minutes)

Monday to Saturday evenings buses will run every 30 minutes (previously every 20 minutes)."

The RRA have received no prior notification about these changes! The RRA and Ward Councillors will be monitoring the situation closely. If any users of this route experience problems after 1 Sept, then please tell TfL (directly) and/or e-mail the RRA, or your Ward Councillors. The Principal at Riddlesdown Collegiate has been told and he will make his own representation to Tfl.

The RRA and Ward Councillors would like to hear any resident feedback. Are the buses leaving Purley (and/or Croydon) on time and arriving in Riddlesdown as scheduled? It has been noted that the old timetable at bus stops have not been changed to the new timetable and that has been pointed out to TFL. Please e-mail any comments to us atRiddlesdownresidents@gmail.com

To Plan a bus, train, tram, tube, bike or walking journey from Riddlesdown, follow this link to the Tfl website and insert “Riddlesdown” in the “From” box.Link

The RRA have been made aware of the London Bus Users’ Online Community, an initiative set up last year by London TravelWatch that aims to give bus passengers a stronger voice. In view of the recent poor performance of our 412 bus service (or other routes), residents may want to voice their concerns?! If you want to find out more please follow this link.

Oyster and contactless can now be used at stations from Riddlesdown (change at East Croydon), Purley and East Croydon to Gatwick airport (including Horley, Salfords, Earlswood, Redhill and Merstham) as well as within virtually all stations in London. Further details on this Tfl link

However groups of three or more people travelling together may still find it cheaper to buy a paper ticket. Accompanied children under the age of 11 can now travel free on National Rail in the zones as they do on the buses and Underground. Unaccompanied children will still need to have an appropriate Oystercard or buy a paper ticket. Tfl link

Other children can also travel free and others at a discount with an Oyster Zip card. For information on how to apply for an Oyster Zip card for children Tfl link

Since 16 September 2014 you are able to use contactless as well on Tube, Tram, DLR, London Overground and most National Rail services in London. Further details on this Tfl link

The London Freedom Pass

This Pass is supplied by the London Councils (all the London Boroughs and City of London) to residents of London.

There are two types of Freedom Pass.

1. The Disabled Pass is available to anybody with a qualifying disability (see website for full list) who lives in a London Borough and is part of the National disability scheme.

2. The Older Persons Freedom Pass is available to residents of a London Borough who have reached the state pension age.

Validity London :

You can use your pass on most journeys across London but there are a few exceptions to when and where you can use your card. Further details

The former London Mayor, Boris Johnson, introduced a new 60+ Concessionary Travel Scheme using a variation of the Oystercard from 1 November 2012 for those people over 60 years of age who no longer qualify for a London Freedom Pass. The pass will have the same validity as a Freedom Pass. Further details from the Tfl websiteor Tfl application page

More information on all Oyster Adult Discounts and Concessions from Tfl website

ROADS

Gas mains works to northern areas of Riddlesdown - more information on thislinkon our website

20/30mph Speed signs in Riddlesdown

New 27/2/18

The RRA have raised with the Council that after nearly a year for the 20 mph road scheme in the South of the Borough, that there is still no 30 mph terminal sign at the end of Riddlesdown Rd, at the junction with Brighton Rd (by Purley Oaks Depot). We have asked for this 30 mph terminal sign to be erected.

We have also raised with the Council that as many new vehicles now have in built cameras and speed sign readers, that when you come up Downs Court Rd which is 30 mph (and/or come out of St James' Rd) that the 20 mph signs on the sharp left bend into Mitchley Ave are being read by the vehicle cameras, where Downs Court Rd continues into the cul-de-sac. As a consequence when travelling along Mitchley Ave (which is 30 mph) the speed displayed on the car dashboard is 20 mph. The next change of speed limit, if following the A2022 going towards West Wickham, is at the bottom of Gravel Hill to 40mph.

There is also the same issue with the 20 mph sign on the junction of Riddlesdown Rd to Brighton Rd and for traffic going around Capella Court towards Purley, staying on the Brighton Rd that have picked up the 20 mph sign on the Riddlesdown Rd junction.

Some cars are also fitted with speed limiters (when operated), so a vehicle could then travel at 20mph on a 30 mph road!

We have asked for the these 20 mph signs at both locations to be adapted/re-located so vehicle cameras don't read them.

The Council have responded that it has been passed to the team responsible, for their attention.

If anyone knows of other incorrect terminal signs and/or missing in Riddlesdown, then please let us know.

TfL have advised re-surfacing works will take place overnight on Wednesday 27 and Thursday 28 March (these are different dates to previously advised by TfL).

During this work, the following restrictions will be in place:

Dates; Wednesday 27 March to Friday 29 March - 21:00 to 05:00 hrs (2 nights)Impacts; No parking. Overnight parking restriction on Godstone Road from Station Road to Waterbourne Way.

Details; The site area will be clearly marked, coned and signed prior to work commencing. Please do not park your vehicle in this area. Any vehicles parked in the marked work areas will be removed.

All roads will reopen by 05:00 hrs each morning.

Road closure; Godstone Road will be closed to through traffic from its junction with Downs Court Road near Purley Cross, to its junctions with Whyteleafe Hill and Hillbury Road at Whyteleafe Roundabout.

Diversion; A clearly signed diversion route will be in place each night. Through-traffic will be diverted via junctions 6 and 7 of the M25, towards the M23 and the A23 to Purley Cross.

Local access; Access to Godstone Road from adjoining roads within the closure area will not be possible. Local access will be permitted when it is safe and possible to do so.

For safety reasons, while we are working, the section of Godstone Road between Station Road and Waterbourne Way will be closed to all traffic.

Buses; Bus route 407 will follow a local diversion after 21:00 each night.

Pedestrians; Footpaths and pedestrian crossings will remain open wherever possible, although some temporary closures or diversions may apply. These will be signed and pedestrian access to properties will not be affected.

What we will be doing? While the road is closed we will repair potholes and some faulty street-lighting, clean gullies and resurface the road.

Once resurfacing has taken place we will reinstate centre white line road markings only. Further re-lining will then take place during the summer as works progress to make changes to red route signs and lines and the road layout.

A22 (Godstone Rd) - Red route proposals to commence in 2019

Updated 3/2/19

Transport for London (TfL) consulted with residents and stakeholders in the summer of 2017 about proposals to changes to the double and single line red route on the A22 (Godstone Rd) from Foxley Hill Road to Old Barn Lane (at the Borough boundary to Whyteleafe).

They also proposed other works which included changes to bus stop facilities: improved zebra crossings; and changes to road layouts at some side road and designated parking areas. The RRA did submit our comments at the time, regarding these proposals.

Following careful consideration of the consultation responses received, TfL have decided to proceed with the scheme as proposed, with the some alterations. These works will commence in early 2019 and will run to 2020. Their full report is on thislink

Mitchley Ave/Rectory Park - Accidents

Update 29/11/17

The resurfacing works to lay a better anti skid surface were completed overnight, (28/29 November 2017) on the bend to Rectory Park/Mitchley Ave. This is following extensive pressure from the RRA to Croydon Council, to do something at this location due to all the accidents (at least eight) since November 2016.

Hopefully this may now reduce the number of accidents on this bend, especially in the wet. Please let the RRA know if further accidents occur at this location and we will take it up with Croydon Council again.

There is now also a speed visor (displaying speeds above 30 mph), on the down section of the hill to Rectory Park, before the bend.

Update 16/9/17

Another accident on 15/9/17, at the bend on Rectory Park/Mitchley Ave. This is at least eight accidents now since last November (we recently learnt about another one on 20 May 2017). The RRA have advised the Council, and the sooner they lay an anti skid surface the better (which the RRA have been asking for, for many months now). It might not solve the problem but it may help. Thanks to Lynne Dennis for the photo.

Update 2/8/17

The RRA have been made aware of yet another accident on the bend of Rectory Park/Mitchley Ave at 6am on Sunday 30 July. We are told that two cars coming down the hill were involved and possibly the second car went into the back of the first car. The Police did attend. Yet again the road was wet, with heavy rain overnight Sat/Sun! This is now the sixth accident since November 2016, on this bend and all in the wet!

We have again written to the Council and made them aware of this latest accident and asked them when further works are to be done to make this section of road safe. Our e-mail has been acknowledged and we await a full response.

We were advised on 17 May, following a written question from Ward Cllr Tim Pollard to Cabinet member Cllr Stuart King and Stuart King replied;

”I have asked our engineers to consider the introduction of anti-skid surfacing on this bend and include this in their current programme of works. I have also asked that officers look at what other measures could be introduced to help address this problem in addition to the following measures which we have already introduced at this location:”

We have also raised with the Council about the following items/repairs that are required:

Sections of grass verges following various accidents in the Mitchley Ave have not been repaired.

We are told parking is taking place on Mitchley Ave close to the bend. Whilst it may not be illegal to park on this road with central cross hatching, it is perhaps inadvisable, bearing in mind the fairly narrow width of this Class A road. Following requests by residents we have asked for something to be done to deter this. Accidents have happened here because of parking.

Nothing has been done to re-instate the anti skid surface on the zebra crossing in Mitchley Ave, by Lower Barn Rd (of which only part of the anti skid surface has been replaced) going towards Selsdon.

Mitchley Ave generally is now in a poor state of repair with numerous depressions and a poor wearing surface in many places. We have asked if it is going to be re-surfaced soon.

Nothing has been done to repair/renew the Armco barrier on the bend in St James’ Rd, which was damaged more than a year ago, following an accident.

We will advise when we get a full reply!

Update 2/5/17

Yet again there has been another accident on the bend of Rectory Park/Mitchley Ave on Sunday evening (30/4/17), when the road was again wet (red car in photo)!

We are told this is now the 5th accident in this vicinity since November 2016. Three accidents have been in the wet, with motorists coming down the hill and losing control on the bend. Two accidents have occurred on Mitchley Ave going towards the hill in Rectory Park because of parked vehicles near the bend (silver car in photo is one accident). Accidents close to the bend also seem to be happening more regularly because of parked vehicles on Mitchley Ave.

The RRA have had a lot of e-mail correspondence with the Council Officers and the Labour Cabinet Member for Highways since last November but the Council are not prepared to put in, an anti skid surface, armco crash barrier, vehicle activated electronic “Slow down” signs etc, before the bend, etc, as requested by the RRA. The Council believe the white dragons teeth markings and other signage, chevrons and centre cross hatching they have laid previously, are sufficient!

The RRA have written to the Council again after this latest accident, to highlight the serious issues here (there have been numerous accidents on this bend and closeby over the years) and we hope they will do more road safety works soon, before a motorist, passenger, or a pedestrian is killed. Cllr Tim Pollard (Sanderstead Ward Cllr) has also now raised a Council question (2/5/17) about the safety on this bend with Transport Cabinet Member, Cllr Stuart King and asking him to intervene.

The Council have also told us they have not managed to secure funding from Tfl to resurface both Mitchley Ave and Rectory Park this year. So we are going to have to put up with all the ruts and rough road surfaces on these two stretches of road!!!

Photos below courtesy of Veronica Roadnight.

Update 24/11/16

Yet another road traffic collision occurred on 16 November at 6.30am, in Mitchley Ave on the bend with Rectory Park

It was raining again at the time and most incidents seem to occur here, when raining. Yet again a vehicle has come down the hill of Rectory Park and lost control on the exit and taken out the lamp column (for the second time in 3 months) by the woodland about 75 metres after the bend.

Photograph above courtesy of Helen Leonard

Following this latest accident, the RRA have had extensive correspondence with two Council Officers since (copying in local Councillors and Cllr Stuart King the Labour Cabinet member responsible for Transport and Environment and Riddlesdown Collegiate). Cllr King has responded that he will take this up with the Director of Streets at his next briefing with him.

The RRA made a number of suggestions to Officers, which included improving the road signage, laying an anti skid road surface just before, on the bend and just after, installing an Armco barrier to protect pedestrians and additional chevron boards. Repositioning the lamp column damaged twice now, and additional road markings were another request. We also pointed about a number of other road defects locally.

The Council Officers have rejected virtually all our suggestions! They did say they have made a number of additional safety measures at this bend over the years.

However, Officers have said they will look to install another “SLOW” road marking just before the bend, and installing white marked dragons teeth on the road, to highlight the danger ahead, look at the signage, and check on the condition of the road markings. Something, but overall not a good result and the RRA will keep pressing the Council on this. In the meantime, if any other further incidents occur here, please post it on our Facebook page and with photos if possible (or e-mail us ) and we will refer them to the Council again.

Regarding the speed camera further along in Mitchley Ave (near the shops) we have been told this is to be replaced soon. Safety cameras are controlled and maintained by the London Safety Camera Partnership (LSCP), which is made up of Transport for London (TfL), the Metropolitan Police and Her Majesty’s Courts Service (HMCS). The LSCP have informed Officers that the safety (speed) camera was removed following damage caused by vandalism, as well as all the road speed sensors being removed when the section of road by the camera was re-surfaced a few years ago. The Council have no control over these cameras.